Mirror Box

THE MIRROR BOX PRODUCTION BOX MANIPULATION BOX PRODUCTION FOLDER

THE MIRROR PRODUCTION BOX By Richard Robinson The sudden appearance of solid objects from a space that could not possibly contain them is a mysterious event that is magically perplexing. The Mirror Box production enhances the effect since the magician seems to be conjuring up a quantity of solid blocks made of mirrors. The mirror boxes described here can be used in various pieces of traditional production apparatus, from under a cloth stealing from a body load or using a simple book-like folder.

Construction Materials The Mirror Box is a square block made of card stock. The box will collapse flat and can be held in that state under a slight pressure. When the pressure is released the box will spring open and appear solid. The materials needed to construct the box are card stock, a length of black elastic cord, adhesive backed tape and a sheet of adhesive backed mylar. In the following description I use black 'illustration board' available from artists' supply houses. This The expanded mirror box. Note that on board is 1/16 inch thick (2 mm), stiff and quite the two sides that fold diagonally one sturdy. The black cord elastic can be had at most section has been cut slightly larger so sewing supply houses and should be used rather that the corner overlaps the box proper. This holds the box square when than an elastic band which doesn't function as expanded and makes it easier to well. Gaffers tape is used to hinge the sections collapse the box. together and can be had at both theatrical and musicians' supply stores. The self-stick mylar is available from stores selling plastic sheeting. The boxes could be made out of playing card stock or other cardboard, hinged together with clear wrapping tape and decorated in another fashion. However they won't hold up as well under constant use. Prop Construction Cut six squares from the card stock. Each square measures 2-1/2 x 2-1/2 inches (6.4 x 6.4 cm.)

In collapsing the box, the thumbs gently pull out the two folding sides which causes them to fold at their hinged diagonal and pulls the rest of the box flat.

Cut two of these squares in half from one corner to the opposite diagonal corner. Hinge the four squares together. In placing the tape one square to hinge it to the next square, a space should left between the two joined edges that equals the thickness of the card stock. Tape should then be placed on both the fronts and backs of the squares.

The collapsed box, ready to spring open when not held under pressure.

The easiest way to do this is to place one square directly on top of another and apply the first length of tape from one square over the top of the two ends and down onto the other square. Then open the two squares, turn them over and lie them flat before attaching the tape hinge to the Another view of the collapsed box. opposite side. The two sets of triangular pieces are also hinged in the same fashion along the diagonal cut. Punch a hole in each of the triangular pieces just off center as shown in the illustration. These two hinged diagonally cut pieces now form

Pull the ends of the cord elastic until there is enough tension to hold the hinged sides against the box proper. Then double knot the cord elastic and trim away any excess cord above the knot. The exterior of the box is now decorated by sticking squares of mylar to the outside. Note that on the two hinged sides the mylar is also cut into sections on the diagonal so that it will not interfere with the hinging action.

The four squares are hinged together with adhesive tape at their common sides. The white rectangles indicate the position of the tape. The two sides which are cut and then hinged diagonally (dashed lines) each have two holes punched in them (black dots) through which the elastic cord is threaded. These two hinged sides are attached by hinges to the four squares (arrows) to complete the construction of the box.

Handling Properly constructed, the box has two states: collapsed and expanded. When collapsed the box obviously has to be secured in some fashion to prevent a premature appearance. The easiest way to do this is to use the Production Folder described in another article in this series. In this scenario, the boxes are produced from the folder, with the folder being shown 'flat' between productions. To produce the boxes from other props it is necessary to either wedge the collapsed boxes into the load chamber in a manner that allows them to be removed easily and individually. This may require adding some interior 'stops' to the load chamber depending on the prop used. For a body load, the boxes can be held collapsed using what is called a 'banker's clip.' This is a flat strip of spring metal folded against itself and usually several inches in length. The strips are pulled apart and the collapsed box inserted. Performance Notes The only real issue in using this type of prop is to ensure that the moment of 'expansion' is not seen by the audience. The boxes should come into view fully formed so the spectators presume that this is their normal and only state. The production sequence can be enhanced by placing the boxes on a tray or table top so that they are piled one on top of the next to further reinforce their solidity.

MIRROR BOX PRODUCTION FOLDER By Richard Robinson The magician displays a flat, two panel folder bound along one edge. The folder is opened and the empty interior shown to the audience. The folder is then closed. The folder is then opened again and a solid silver cube is seen to be resting on the folder panel. The magician removes the cube and places it on a table or tray. Again the magician shows the folder empty, closes it and on reopening it another silver cube has materialized. This is repeated until a quantity of silver cubes have made their appearance.

Construction The Mirror Box Production Folder is a number of cardboard panels bound together along one edge. To make the working clear in the photographs, a thick cardboard has been used. However, the panels should be cut from thin black 1/16 inch thick (2 mm) 'illustration board,' the same material uses to make up the production boxes. Illustration board is very sturdy, has a slight flex and black throughout.

The folder is displayed to the spectators.

Several panels are needed, the exact number determined by the number of cubes to be produced. The panels are 10 inches square (25.5 cm). In hinging the panels together, a 3/8 inch (9 mm) gap should be set between the panel edges before the hinge tape is applied. This creates a space for the collapsed box without causing the panel to bulge. Short 'tabs' are placed at the top left edge of all the inner panels, each tab offset from the next slightly. Paper clips covered in black vinyl are used in the photographs. These tabs allow the left thumb to locate the panels to be 'held back' so that the folder is opened to the proper panel for any particular production.

It is opened to show that it is empty, then closed.

When opened again, a solid silver cube rests on the folder. Note the display position with the back portion of the folder horizontal to the floor.

Handling & Presentation With the collapsed boxes loaded between the inner panels, the folder is picked up, shown casually and then opened so the spectators can see the interior. The left thumb rests on the tabs, keeping the inner panels against the back panel of the folder. The folder is closed, the left thumb moves off the The folder panels are hinged loosely together to allow for space taken by the first tab, the right thumb moves to that tab and collapsed production boxes. pulls the folder cover and panel the tab is attached to forward. At the same time the folder is turned so that the surface is parallel to the floor. The production box expands and is seen resting on the folder panel. This is repeated for subsequent productions. Performance Notes This production folder is quite easy to use and a large quantity of boxes can be produced. The productions should be made artfully with the performer registering just as much amazement as the spectators at the appearance of the solid boxes. The outsides of the back and front panels should

A tab is attached to the upper corner of each folder, each tab spaced a short distance from the next, so that the performer can use the tabs to control which panel(s) are grouped with the cover when the folded is opened.

be decorated with a border and center design to make the panels appear smaller than they actually are. The interior surfaces of the panels can also have a design so long as a strong contrast is maintained between the panel surface and the boxes being produced.